Srinagar: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Tuesday held extensive interactions with security officials in Jammu and Kashmir, reviewing border management measures and operational preparedness following the success of Operation Sindoor last year.
Security officials briefed the panel on steps taken to strengthen border security, emerging challenges along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), and future preparedness strategies, committee member Rajiv Shukla told reporters in Srinagar.
“Today, we had a very fruitful interaction with army officers, security officers and defence forces on how they protect our borders and about their performance during Operation Sindoor. We were also briefed about precautions, preparations for the future and lessons learned,” Shukla said.
He added that a key focus of the discussions was also on building trust with local populations and encouraging greater civil-military bonhomie in border areas.
Shukla further said the committee’s visit is aimed at assessing India’s border security posture, especially in relation to Pakistan and China, and reviewing broader strategic issues including cross-border terrorism, India-China relations, and the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
The panel is also examining recent developments in India’s foreign policy landscape, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and its implications for regional security dynamics.
On global developments, Shukla noted that ongoing conflicts, including tensions involving Iran and the United States, were affecting international trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, with wider economic consequences for India’s energy supply chain.
Meanwhile, on the second day of its four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the committee led by its chairman Dr. Shashi Tharoor also met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar.
During the meeting, Tharoor briefed the LG about the committee’s engagements, including visits to border areas in Jammu and interactions with senior Army officials and the Regional Passport Office. Members also shared their observations on security preparedness and border management.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the socio-economic transformation in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years, stating that the region has witnessed significant improvement in the security environment and overall development momentum. He said post-August 2019, normal life has become more stable, infrastructure has expanded, and development projects are improving livelihoods and connectivity across the Union Territory.
The committee also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam National Park, where he welcomed their visit and underscored the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement in understanding the aspirations and developmental needs of border regions.
Omar Abdullah briefed the delegation on governance priorities, including infrastructure development, connectivity, public services, and livelihood opportunities in remote areas.
The committee’s visit, which began in Jammu on June 22, will continue in Kargil and Leh over the next two days to gain first-hand insights into border security and strategic preparedness in frontier regions.
